Kentucky releases official preseason roster, depth chart

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The first glimpse of Kentucky’s 2017 roster and depth chart is out as SEC Media Days begin Monday in Hoover, Ala.

Mark Stoops will be joined by quarterback Stephen Johnson, linebacker Courtney Love and safety Mike Edwards when Kentucky takes the stage Wednesday afternoon. Johnson, along with linebacker Jordan Jones and guard Nick Haynes, appears on the 2017 Kentucky media guide.

Kentucky offensive depth chart

Offensive notes

It’s no surprise Stephen Johnson is listed as the starting quarterback, but the newly released depth chart confirms there could be a battle for the backup spot between former starter Drew Barker and redshirt freshman Gunnar Hoak. The depth chart says Barker “OR” Hoak.

Running back is similar to quarterback. Benny Snell is listed at the top, but the competition will be between junior Sihiem King and redshirt freshman A.J. Rose for the second-team gig. They’re listed as “OR.”

The wide receiver spots seem to be up for grabs, especially at the “Y” slot where Charles Walker is listed as first-team and David Bouvier as second-team. Walker and Bouvier combined for just 5 catches and 43 yards in 2016. Top 2017 signee Lynn Bowden, who’s expected to play in the slot, is not on the depth chart, but he is on the roster — a confirmation that he will in fact enroll.

Clevan Thomas, listed as the second-team “F” receiver behind Garrett Johnson, is the only true freshman who appears on the offensive or defensive two-deep depth chart.

The offensive line starters are the same except for one change. Sophomore Logan Stenberg is listed as the starting left guard with redshirt freshman Luke Fortner as his backup. Cole Mosier will start at left tackle, Bunchy Stallings at center and Nick Haynes at right guard. The right tackle spot seems to be up for grabs between last year’s starter Kyle Meadows and junior George Asafo-Adjei. They are another “OR” listing on the two-deep.

Kentucky defensive depth chart

Defensive notes

The graduation of Courtney Miggins and dismissal of Alvonte Bell left a hole at defensive end. Sophomore T.J. Carter is now listed as the starter with junior Kengera Daniel as his backup. The defensive tackle and nose guard starters will stay the same with Adrian Middleton and Naquez Pringle. Making his depth chart debut is Kordell Looney — listed as the second-team defensive tackle.

The linebacking corps will largely stay the same with Denzil Ware and Josh Allen as the starting outside linebackers with Courtney Love and Jordan Jones in the middle.

Long-time starters Derrick Baity and Chris Westry will keep their top cornerback jobs. Behind Baity will either be junior college transfer Lonnie Johnson or sophomore Kei Beckham. Sophomore Jordan Griffin will back up Westry.

Darius West, who missed all of last season with an injury, is listed as the first-team free safety. He’ll be alongside starting strong safety Mike Edwards.

Roster notes

Lynn Bowden and Michael Nesbitt are both listed on Kentucky’s 2017 roster. Bowden didn’t arrive in time for summer classes, but was expected on campus soon. UK confirmed he’ll be in fall camp. Nesbitt’s situation is unclear, but he’s listed on the roster as No. 26.